​***NO heading the ball in practices or games*******************************************************If in the opinion of the referee a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick shall be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick shall be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred. If in the opinion of the referee a player does not deliberately head the ball, then play should continue.

Players: 5 players from each team on the field. A minimum of 3 players required to play. GOALKEEPER ALLOWED. (Goalkeeper must be changed with a new player every quarter, no one player is allowed to play more than one quarter as goalkeeper.) NO PUNTING of the ball or drop-kicks are allowed by the goalies.

Playing Time: Each player will play at least half of each game unless unable to due to illness, injury or for disciplinary reasons.

Spectators: Coaches and parents are prohibited from the area behind the goal line. Coaches are responsible for keeping parents at least 10 feet awayfrom the sideline and for the sportsmanship of the team’s parents. No one should ever yell disparaging remarks at the opposing team or referees at any time.

Referees: If there is not an official referee for the games, one adult (or one adult from each team if preferred) will act as referee.

Assistant Referees: There are no assistant referees in this division.

Substitutions: A team may substitute players (if the referee approves) at the following times: 1) after any goal, 2) at halftime, 3) during any injurystoppage, 4) prior to any goal kick, 5) prior to your throw-in, or 6) prior to opponent throw-in if that team substitutes. Substitutes are not allowed on free kicks, corner kicks, or penalty kicks. (Remember: There is not a stoppage of play on free kicks and throw-ins; allowing substitution interrupts play).

Offside: There is no offside.

Penalty kicks: (from 12 yards directly in front of the goal): There are no penalty kicks.

Direct free kick: (ball may be kicked directly into goal): There are no direct free kicks.

Indirect free kick: (ball must touch another player before entering the goal): All fouls (e.g., excessive pushing, tripping or hand ball fouls) will be penalized with an indirect free kick. (Remember: A stoppage of play is not required on free kicks; the ball may be kicked as soon as it is placed on the spot).

Goal kicks: If the ball is kicked over the end line by a player in his/her offensive end of the field a goal kick will be awarded. The ball will be kicked from any point within the goal area (small box) and is not in play until the ball is outside the penalty area (bigbox). Opponents will remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play.

Corner Kicks: If the ball goes over the end line and is last touched by a player who is in his/her defensive end a corner kick will be awarded to the offense. The ball will be placed at the corner of the field on the side of the goal the ball went out on. A player from the offense will kick the ball in and it must touch another player before the player taking the kick can touch it again.

Throw-ins: Players will have both feet on the ground on or behind the touchline (sideline). The ball is thrown from behind and over the head. Thethrower may not touch the ball until it has touched another player. The referee will enforce these rules by: 1) reminding the players of the proper techniqueand having offending players re-throw and 2) awarding the ball to the opponent after two re-throws.

Uniforms\Equipment: All players must wear shin guards, soccer cleats and soccer socks to all practices and games. Shirts must be worn tucked in. Socks must be worn over the shinguards. No cleats on toes of shoes (like baseball shoes).

Practices: Two practices per week are allowed. Practices are no more than 60 minutes long.

U8 Coaches: Coaches will remain on the sidelines with their team.

Referees: During games, referees will be explaining their calls to the kids and coaches to help both in understanding the rules of play. Referees willensure the whistles are blown when a foul occurs and will quickly explain the foul and restart play.

Kick Offs (Start of Game): Players with the ball are allowed in the center circle on their side of the field. The opponent's players are required to stay outside of the circle until the ball is in play.

Slide Tackling: Not allowed.

Fouls: All fouls result in indirect kicks and no pk's are to be called in U7/U8 games.